Dental-plaque detection system and dental-plaque detection method

Abstract

A dental-plaque detection system and dental-plaque detection method which are excellent in the detection accuracy of dental plaques and also capable of improving the situation to stain sites other than dental plaques (such as interdental parts and gums) are provided. The dental-plaque detection system includes a dental-plaque staining agent, which contains at least one selected from yellow pigment of beni-koji, turmeric extracts, and curcumin; and a light-emitting apparatus, which outputs light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm to an object in the oral cavity where the dental-plaque staining agent is attached. The dental-plaque detection method includes attaching a dental-plaque staining agent, which contains at least one selected from yellow pigment of beni-koji, turmeric extracts, and curcumin onto an object in the oral cavity; and thereafter irradiating light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm onto the object.

1. A dental-plaque detection system comprising:
 a dental-plaque staining agent, which contains a yellow pigment of beni-koji having xanthomonasins as a major component; and 
 a light-emitting apparatus, which outputs light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm to an object in an oral cavity where the dental-plaque staining agent is attached. 
 
     
     
       2. The dental-plaque detection system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a light-emitting diode in the light-emitting apparatus which outputs light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm. 
     
     
       3. The dental-plaque detection system according to  claim 1 , further comprising both
 a light-emitting diode or a lamp; and 
 a filter, which selectively transmits light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm, in the light-emitting apparatus. 
 
     
     
       4. The dental-plaque detection system according to  claim 1 , further comprising
 a light-receiving section in the light-emitting apparatus; and 
 an image-displaying apparatus and a probe, each of which is connected to the light-emitting apparatus; 
 wherein the probe is configured so that the light outputted from the light-emitting apparatus can be irradiated towards the object and also, image information of the object, which is irradiated with the light can be sent to the light-receiving section; and 
 wherein the image displaying apparatus is configured so that the image information of the object received by the light-receiving section can be displayed. 
 
     
     
       5. The dental-plaque detection system according to  claim 4 , further comprising a high-pass filter which transmits light having a wavelength of 520 nm or more among reflection of the light, which is irradiated onto the object.